As a Certified B Corporation, a member of 1% For the Planet and a founding member of the Slow Money Alliance, Mamma Chia has made sustainability and giving back to the community priorities since its founding in 2009. After Founder and CEO Janie Hoffman met Kitchen Table Advisors’ Founder and Executive Director Anthony Chang at a Social Venture Network Conference, Mamma Chia became one of our early supporters.

Anthony & Janie recently had a chance to catch up and chat about how Mamma Chia is supporting local food systems through 1% for the Planet.

Anthony Chang: What inspired you to create Mamma Chia?

Janie Hoffman: Chia changed my life! After struggling for almost 20 years from a variety of debilitating autoimmune disorders, and after years of trying numerous diets and medical treatments, it was only when I incorporated chia into my daily diet and switched to organic foods that I became symptom free. After seeing what this amazing little seed did for me in my life – it became my mission to share its magic with the world.

AC: You’ve had tremendous growth since you launched in 2010. What would you say is Mamma Chia's greatest success thus far?

JH: Perhaps Mamma Chia’s greatest success is that we are truly fulfilling our mission. The Mamma Chia Mission is “to share the magic of chia and lead in its renaissance. We are dedicated to offering the highest quality organic chia-based foods and beverages that provide vitality, energy and strength. Mamma Chia is a conscious and sustainable company that honors and uplifts both the soul of humanity and the soul of the planet.” This is demonstrated not only in our leadership in the world of chia, but perhaps more importantly in our ability to give back in a meaningful way.

AC: What is 1% for the Planet and why did you choose to get involved?

JH: 1% for the Planet is a global movement of companies donating at least 1% of annual sales to environmental organizations. As a conscious and sustainable company that is committed “to honor and uplift both the soul of humanity and the soul of the planet,” 1% FTP is an effective way to make a difference and to ensure that a company is truly giving back and practicing what it preaches.

AC: Why is supporting small sustainable farmers and healthy food systems important to Mamma Chia?

JH: We believe it is essential for the soul of our planet and the soul of her people to support healthy, local food systems. We believe this is a critical time when we all need to roll up our sleeves and a make a positive difference in the world, and it can’t just be during our off hours if we are to make the shifts that are needed.

AC: There are many organizations working on building a healthier food economy. What is it about Kitchen Table Advisors’ work that resonates with you the most?

JH: We really appreciate how Kitchen Table Advisors is helping provide our farmers, the foundation of any food system, with tangible & practical business tools to increase their chances of long-term success. We often forget that at the end of the day, our farmers are running a business, and having someone like Kitchen Table Advisors on their side can make all the difference in being able to continue growing healthy food for us to enjoy.

AC: As an entrepreneur and business owner yourself, what is the most important lesson you’ve learned on your journey that you could share with the farmers we work with?

JH: Farming is one of the hardest jobs on the planet! I wouldn't dare be so bold as to offer advice. What I do offer is my deep gratitude for all they are doing.